U.S. cancer deaths still declining; NJ marketers sentenced in $127M Medicare kickback scheme; middle-aged Americans among the loneliest in the world – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Key Takeaways

U.S. cancer death rates have declined from 2001 to 2022, driven by fewer lung cancer deaths, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A $127 million Medicare fraud scheme led to prison sentences for two New Jersey marketers, highlighting significant healthcare fraud issues.
Middle-aged Americans report higher loneliness levels than older generations, influenced by unemployment, poor health, and caregiving burdens, necessitating targeted interventions.

The top news stories in medicine today.

U.S. cancer death rates still on the decline — even through the pandemic

Cancer death rates in the U.S. declined steadily from 2001 to 2022 across men, women and children, according to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The drop — driven largely by fewer lung cancer deaths — continued even during the first two years of COVID-19. While some obesity-related cancers are on the rise, the report shows overall gains in early detection, treatment, and survival. A sharp but temporary dip in diagnoses during 2020 highlights the importance of uninterrupted access to care.

NJ marketers sentenced in $127M Medicare kickback scheme

Two men behind a New Jersey marketing company were sentenced to prison for their roles in a $127 million health care fraud and kickback scheme involving fake prescriptions for medical braces. Eric Karlewicz and Nicco Romanowski paid doctors to approve orders without seeing patients, then funneled the claims through Medicare and TRICARE. They used the profits to purchase luxury cars, including a Ferrari and Lamborghini. Both men will pay over $127 million in restitution, and Karlewicz agreed to a $63.8 million civil settlement for violating the False Claims Act.

Middle-aged Americans are among the loneliest in the world

Middle-aged adults in the U.S. report higher levels of loneliness than older generations — a pattern seen in only one other country, the Netherlands — according to a new 29-country study published in Aging and Mental Health. Researchers found that unemployment, poor health and caregiving burdens contribute to the trend, highlighting a critical but overlooked age group in loneliness interventions. The findings suggest middle age may bring with it unique social challenges, especially in countries like the U.S. with weaker social safety nets.